Some Economists Have Suggested That Network Externalities Result in Consumers

question 189

Multiple Choice

Some economists have suggested that network externalities result in consumers being locked into the use of products with inferior technologies.Economists Stan Leibowitz and Stephen Margolis have studied cases that have been cited as examples of this and found

• A)there is no convincing evidence that the alternative technologies were superior.
• B)consumers sometimes do become locked into the use of products with inferior technologies.
• C)that in all of these cases network externalities resulted in market failure.
• D)that consumers use products with inferior technologies when their prices are lower than products with superior technologies.

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Definitions:

Formal Rationality

A concept in sociology and economics referring to the deliberate and methodical calculation of the most efficient means to achieve a given goal, irrespective of the objective's value or consequence.

Traditional Authority

A form of leadership where power is legitimized by heritage, cultural norms, and historical precedents rather than legal, rational, or electoral means.

Feudalism

A socio-economic system in medieval Europe where land was held by nobles in exchange for military service, and vassals were tenants of the nobles, while serfs worked the land.

Patrimonialism

A form of governance or organization where all power is held by a single ruler or authority, often based on traditional or familial ties.